1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 2012 BMW 116
To start off, 2012 BMW 116 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,305 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 116 (116 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (109 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 116 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 116 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 BMW 116 (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 116 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 2012 BMW 116 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 230 | 116 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2305 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4324 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 51 L |
